Laboratory Instructor/ Hardware Specialist

Overview:
The Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) undergraduate curriculum has two core programs and four interdisciplinary programs. Reporting to the Lab Director, Teaching (Lab Director) and to the theme area Laboratory Instructor/Coordinator (Coordinator), the Laboratory Instructor/Hardware Specialist (Lab Instructor) enhances student success through a positive learning environment and teaches undergraduate (undergrad) laboratory (lab) courses within the established scope and guidelines of the professional degree program.

These positions are responsible for laboratory course delivery and other academic responsibilities, and the technical operation and maintenance of the ECE undergraduate laboratory facilities in support of assigned lab courses. The Lab Instructor collaborates with course faculty for lecture-laboratory synchronization and works in conjunction with faculty members on lab content and development and design of any new experiments to be introduced into the undergraduate laboratory.

**Responsibilities**:
Instruction of Students and Assessment of their Academic Performance
- Prepares and teaches assigned undergrad lab courses
- Collaborates with faculty course instructors for lecture-laboratory synchronization
- Ensures academic integrity is maintained in the laboratories
- Marks student work term reports
- Assists students on an individual or group basis with lab and related assignments/problems
- Evaluates student technical presentations and symposium poster marking
- Supervises/consults/advises/marks fourth year student design projects
- Develops experiments and writes laboratory materials/manuals in conjunction with faculty
- Recommends and/or makes necessary changes in materials, techniques or procedures to optimize the value of the lab exercise
- Plans new labs, conducts and evaluates prototype labs
- Keeps course content and resources current

Supervises Teaching Assistants who Oversee Students performing the Experiments and Exercises
- Ensures the effective utilization and development of TAs who assist with undergrad laboratories from term-to-term on a changing basis
- Directs laboratory TAs through the academic term cycle: assigning duties, coordinating their laboratory activities, etc.
- Provides new teaching assistants with training in lab equipment procedures and/or theory, and instruction on experiments and design exercises before each term’s laboratory sessions begin
- Participates in TA interviewing, ranking, and rating their performance
- Mentors new or sessional staff in area of expertise
- Trains other Laboratory Instructors in the use of specialized hardware or software as required

Lab Maintenance
- Monitors and updates the laboratory equipment inventory
- Monitors performance to ensure adequate quality control and arranges maintenance of technical equipment
- Oversees teaching inventory, researches and recommends purchases
- Maintains the technical and safe operation of the assigned laboratories
- Recommends and implements approved upgrades and improvements to lab facilities and practices

Other Duties
- Attend lab planning and review sessions
- Participate in class prof/student rep meetings
- Trains for other specializations as required by the department
- Assist with other duties or special projects which may be assigned by the Lab Director or Coordinator

Qualifications:

- Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering, or equivalent combination of education and experience. MASc degree or relevant industrial experience is an asset
- Area of specialization should encompass one of the following areas: communication systems, power systems, control systems and robotics; or digital hardware; or analog hardware, radio frequency, circuits, and systems
- Five years of experience managing lab operations
- Experience in working with different measurement instruments in the area of specialization is required
- Experience with hardware design procedures and software packages related to the area of specialization
- Experience in running labs, troubleshooting electrical circuits; software; and equipment, giving tutorials/lectures and demonstrations, writing and updating lab manuals, developing new labs, marking reports, and evaluating technical presentations is strongly preferred
- Experience monitoring and enforcing safety in the labs or a similar environment is a strong asset
- Experience in purchasing hardware and software in the area of specialization is an asset
- Previous teaching experience is highly desirable
- Knowledge of computer interfacing with measurements instrumentation is required
- Proven aptitude for teaching and a demonstrated interest in working with undergraduate students
- Well-developed interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
- Proven ability to establish and maintain procedures for ensuring safety of students and staff in the lab
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills are essential
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